Extraction of Stigmasterol and β-Sitosterol from the leaves of Acanthus montanus and their contractile activity on uterine muscles of non-pregnant female albino rats

Abstract

Acanthus montanus is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It is a plant with several phytoconstituents which accounts for its tradopharmacological uses such as treatment of pain, female infertility and spontaneous abortion with dosage schedule depending on the ailment. The present study was aimed at identifying and characterizing some of the active principles from leaves of the plant. Keywords: Acanthus montanus; Stigmasterol; β-sitosterol; contractile activity; uterine contraction; non-pregnant rat.